Glen Finglas run loop
Length
25.3 Kms
Elevation gain
931.3 m
Max elevation
597 m
Difficulty
***
Rating
*****
Type
Loop
Route id
504
Main road
0 Kms
Country road
6.5 Kms
Dirt road
18.8 Kms
Dirt path
0 Kms
Trail
0 Kms
0
Route summary
The Glen Finglas run loop route is a hill trail run within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The loop covers a distance of 25.34 Kms ( 15.75 miles )
and has an elevation gain of 931 m ( 3056 feet )
.
Description
A lovely looping run up past the reservoir. A lot of climb but well worth it and one of our favourite runs.
The route starts off from the car park outside the community centre and heads along a single tracked road. There is small car park further up the single road just before the hill.
A tee in the road marks the start of the first climb up above the reservoir on a windy road.
You are then in tree lined road for a kilometre or so before coming out into the open glen. The reservoir on your left and the hill in the distance in front of you.
The road turns to a dirt road and stays that way until returning. However this is a well made path used by 4x4s.
After a distance a crossing over a small burn marks the start of the main climb which also offers brilliant views. This is one of those routes that seems to change a bit every time you run it. We suspect this is due to the fact that it's hard to take it all in on one run.
From the top part of the trail, it's a mixed downhill (mostly) then flat and minor up back to the reservoir.
From there a simple follow the way you came.
You sometimes see people on this route, but generally you have it on your own so take appropriate safety measures.
The variety on this route makes it a wonderful run and even the downhills are not too steep or technically difficult to stop a full speed ahead run.
The weather can be an issue along with ice so be prepared to retreat if conditions dictate.
Enjoy
Route directions
Kms
1
From the car park head up the small tarred road away from the main road.
0
2
At the junction where the forest car park is take the road up the hill on the right.
0.9
3
Over the small bridge and the road turns to a dirt track.
3.3
4
Follow the trail as it skirts round the reservoir
3.4
5
Keep on the main path
4.9
6
Along side the burn and enjoy the view of the climb ahead.
8
7
Over the foot bridge, or get your feet wet crossing the ford.
8.8
8
Start of the main climb section, take your time and look back for the views.
8.9
9
A flatish section, make the most of it as there is more climb coming.
9.7
10
More hill, but this is the last main up section.
11.4
11
Top of the hill, well done and nearly all down from here.
12.6
12
Follow the track as it opens out in front of you.
17.7
13
Turn left and return onto track you came out on.
20.3
14
Turn left and head back to tthe car park
24.5
15
And finish ... now for something nice in the Brig O Turk tea room
25.3
Car park
The small car park just ourside the community centre.
Information sign
Welcome to the Glen Finglas Road
Reservoir
First sight of the reservoir from close to the dam
Reservoir
Looking up from the dam. At viewpoint located at the top of the first hill
Reservoir
Looking back at the dam
Reservoir
Dam in early winter
Reservoir
View of the dam
Out of the trees
The glen opens up as you leave the tree lined section of the road
Out of the trees
Early winter across the reservoir
Out of the trees
One of two pictures from almost the same spot. Every run, it looks different
Out of the trees
Early views once out of the trees on a misty morning
Towards the top of the reservoir
Looking back at the reservoir towards the dam
Towards the top of the reservoir
A still morning for the run
Towards the top of the reservoir
Geese taking in the waters of the reservoir
Misty morning
Good hardcore road
Almost at the main climb
Final part of the reservoir
Almost at the main climb
One of the locals wondering why you are in such a hurry
Almost at the main climb
Road stretching out ahead
Views and sheep
Usually lots of sheep and a few cows to keep you company
Views and sheep
Blue sky and white hills, as tunning morning for a run
Views and sheep
The small burn after heavy rainfall
Views and sheep
Marker, this is where the path returns to. This route takes the left path.
More from reservoir top
Looking back
More from reservoir top
Pano view, as we iPhone users say
Hill ahead
A climbing outlook
End of reservoir
In early winter
End of reservoir
A still day
Early climb
Keep the gates closed
Early climb
Mist on the hills ahead
The big locals
Be careful though they are very well mannered
The big locals
Approaching the big climb
The big locals
The cows now in the distance
Wee bridge
Or you can paddle across the ford if that's the kind of person you are
Wee bridge
After the wee bridge, how good can a route get
Wee bridge
Keep going up
And up
Start of the main uphill section
And up
Looking back
And up
Again looking back but further up
And more up
Take time of look back
And more up
Ice and hard snow starting to appear
And more up
Yes, we can run that
And more up
Back down the glen
And more up
Another pano
And more up
One from a very wet day
And more up
OK, so sometimes the view is a bit hidden
And even more up
View improves with the height
An almost flat bit
Stretch those legs before next climb
Top of the hill
A small cairn marks the top of the hill
Top of the hill
Out in the middle of nowhere
Back down from the top
Easy down hill section
View down the glen
Road stretches out for a long way
View down the glen
Here comes the rain
View down the glen
Final pano
Loop end
Getting towards the end of the loop.